UVA Darden School Annual Fund Celebrates Fourth Year Consecutive Record Breaking Year

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business Annual Fund raised $5 million in unrestricted support for the 2014 fiscal year — setting its fourth consecutive record. The total reflects a 9 percent increase over the previous year’s total of $4.6 million.

“We are humbled by the outpouring of donations, which is a testament to our supporters’ devotion to Darden and its mission,” said Darden’s Dean Bob Bruner. “Because of them, the School is able to continue developing and inspiring responsible leaders and advancing knowledge.”

Alumni, students, faculty members and corporate donors from all over the world contribute to Darden’s Annual Fund campaign each year. The 2014 total represents a 66 percent jump since 2010.

The Darden Annual Fund saw widespread participation across the School’s stakeholder groups, including outstanding participation rates from the following groups:

• 100 percent of the members of the School’s five leadership board members (Foundation Board of Trustees, Global Advisory Council, Dean’s Diversity Advisory Council, Corporate Advisory Board, Darden Alumni Board of Directors)
• 99 percent of Darden’s Class of 2014
• 84 percent of Darden’s faculty members
• 41 percent of Darden’s alumni

Of the 57 total MBA graduating classes since the Darden School’s founding in 1955, 15 classes reached or surpassed 50 percent participation.

“The gains we have made each year demonstrate the increasing support for Darden’s mission and success among our graduates, who are some of the most engaged and supportive business school alumni in the world,” said Carter Hoerr, executive director for advancement.

This year’s Annual Fund total will have a tremendous impact on the School’s education experience, rated No. 1 in the world, and its emerging priorities. The unrestricted funds help support:

• Merit-based scholarships
• New business research ideas
• Global program development
• Curricular innovation

Gifts to the Darden Annual Fund enable the school to seize new opportunities and fuel innovation.